Product Differentiation Strategy, Cultural Sensitivity, and Monitoring

Case Problems
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
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Professor
Date
Product Differentiation Strategy Team
Question 1: To identify new markets, I would advise the product differentiation team to apply consumer segmentation and environmental analysis. The team needs to identify consumer portions that share standard features to understand their demand. The features include variables such as age, income level, educational level, lifestyle, to mention a few. The variables will help the team identify the number of potential customers available to the organization and motivations for purchasing choices such as convenience, design, and price. On the flip side, the team can analyze changes in the surrounding with technological advancements providing new business opportunities (Chehtman, 2017). For instance, internet growth and smartphones have facilitated the arrival of companies with new business features like Airbnb. Also, the team should consider that various environmental transformations such as geopolitical movements, climate changes, and variations in financial markets affect market opportunities.
Question 2: I fully support kelvin’s idea of delegating the task of finding a product differentiation strategy to the middle managers (Chapter 13). Generally, the organization’s performance improves when middle-level managers are involved in the strategic management procedure. The amalgamation of middle-level and senior managers in the strategic planning process results in high-quality decisions. Also, middle-level managers contributing to the strategic plan will increase after they understand their links to the firm and its vision. Strategies and execution are interconnected (Rowe, 2021). As such, a strategic plan should involve approximately every stakeholder. When creating strategic projects, middle-level managers are well-positioned to examine the situational framework, and they should operate as agenda-setters suggesting the problems to be addressed. The middle-level manager also supports, encourages, and nurtures skilled employees who play a vital role in strategic plans implementation.
Question 3: The internet is an excellent tool for organizations with product differentiation. It contains much information to help the team research product differentiation. The team can apply the internet to collect primary data from prospective customers and use the secondary data available on the internet. The team will save its time and the organization resources through the internet. It will apply the internet in conducting online questionnaires; the team will gather information regarding the organization’s opinion, website, products, and any advancement customers want. The team will use the gathered information to formulate a product differentiation strategy based on customers’ preferences. As expressed, the internet contains important information perfect for helping a product differentiation plan. Also, the data is easily accessible and affordable. However, the team should be cautious while using the internet since some information is not regulated and can mislead them.
Cultural Sensitivity at Pacific Pods
Question 1: Ava’s cultural sensitivity imitative was appropriate but ineffective. Her decision to embark on an initiative to portray cultural diversity was commendable. It is clear that Ava had relevant knowledge about various cultural traditions and practices, and she was updated on global events. For instance, while conversing with Deon, she wished a happy Cinco de mayo to her and her family, commonly known to African Americans (Chapter 14). Also, she acknowledged Lindsay’s tattoos and piercing and deduced they would not prevent promotion in the firm. However, Ava failed to boost her cultural competency. As a leader, she failed to understand some conversations better, as witnessed with Lindsay. Ava never asked after their doubtful conversation and failed to apologize if she accidentally offended Lindsay for talking about his tattoos.
Question 2: To improve her ...